THE JOSHUA CASTEEL FOUNDATION CONTINUES THE LEGACY OF JOSHUA CASTEEL BY PROMOTING PEACE, JUSTICE, AND RECONCILIATION BETWEEN PEOPLE ON A LOCAL AND GLOBAL LEVEL. OUR GOAL IS TO SUPPORT AND PRESENT PROJECTS AND IDEAS THAT ENCOURAGE RESPECT, UNDERSTANDING, AND ACCEPTANCE BETWEEN PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES, AND COUNTRIES THROUGH ARTISTIC EXPRESSION, THOUGHTFUL DIALOGUE, AND ACTS OF MERCY. ULTIMATELY WE DESIRE TO BE ANOTHER VOICE AND BODY IN THE WORLD WORKING TO BRING MUTUAL HARMONY AND EVIDENCE THAT LOVE IS MORE POWERFUL THAN HATE AND THAT NON-VIOLENT ACTION AIMED AT BRINGING ABOUT POSITIVE CHANGE CREATES AND SUSTAINS THE COMMUNITY, GOOD WILL, AND HOPE THAT VIOLENCE DESTROYS.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The Joshua Casteel Foundation is guided by the following principles which reflect the vision, philosophy, and spirit of Joshua in whose memory it was founded:

  • We believe in the dignity and value of every person and that where human rights are denied or ignored a non-violent and restorative response is the best way to achieve stability and reconciliation.
  • We believe in the power of ‘love in action’ and the commission given to followers of Christ to “love our neighbors” near and far, even our enemies, as the best way to change hearts and achieve lasting peace.
  • We are committed to the principles and practice of non-violence alongside the acknowledgement and exposure of the lasting harm and destruction brought upon individuals, families, and society in general through violence and war.
  • We believe that thoughtful dialogue and education for justice and peace are necessary skills to maintain peace, achieve reconciliation and inclusive community, and that it should be nurtured globally.
  • We view art, the written word, and other forms of creative expression as valuable tools for building understanding, respect and appreciation for differences and cooperation between peoples.

THEOLOGICAL BELIEFS

Our Christian faith is the main guide and motivation for how we live and is what forms our world view, which we believe demands love and respect for people of all faiths, races, and cultural distinctions.

  1. We believe in the incarnation, God became man, in Jesus Christ who was and is the Messiah and the Savior of mankind as a result of His death upon the cross and his resurrection.
  2. We believe that Christ was and is our model for living a Godly life and that every Christian is called to follow his teaching and example, which is summed up in the first commandment; “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind and your neighbor as yourself.
  3. We believe that Jesus lived and taught that Christians are to be ‘lights in the world’ living lives of active love and non-violence, choosing to be peacemakers in the world offering grace and the possibility of redemption to every man, even our enemies, leaving vengeance to God alone.
  4. We believe that every human being has been endowed by God with a conscience which he/she is responsible to before God first and foremost and that each person has the right and responsibility to peacefully resist any and all institutions (even the state / government) if asked to act against his/her conscience.